OKay this is THE THREAD please don't start 50 others... lets put everything in one place so later on down the road we can re-live this years show. So if you see something you like, have a video, have a photo, loved something you did or whatever post it here. Also for the next Magazine we will publish the best of the show... so here is what we need to know for starters.. see below. Also wanted to mention we updated the front page of Hauntworld.com check it out and let us know what you thought! Start uploading your photos, videos, and adding your thoughts and opinions! BTW if you have a subscription to the magazine pick it up during the show at our booth!

Who had the best overall new products

Who had the best overall single new animation or effect

Who had the best overall booth design

Who had the best new masks

Who had the best overall costumes

Best Event you attended during the show

Who had the best overall business to business product

Who had the best new props

Who had the goriest new prop or animation THE GORE AWARD

Who had the best product under $500 dollars and who had the best over $2500

Which speaker presented the best seminar

What was the best educational product or service offered at the show

What was the product that made you go WOW

drfrightner

03-05-2013, 01:39 AM

I did not hit the show floor today but my crew did there was about 10 companies there setting up. The show has officially begun... two more days to get everything set up!

I will take some pics today and send them over. Larry

drfrightner

03-05-2013, 11:40 PM

Okay tons of updates here... I walked around the show and I'm just being honest here. Based on what I saw and keep in mind only maybe 30% of the show seems set up. I'm uploading photos of the different booths so far... I personally think its better to take photos when no one is there. I will try to snag more later today.

The best overall booth so far and again they are NOT set up totally yet... this is tough! Gore Galore might have the best booth, Dark Raven might as well... House of the Dead guys booth is really awesome but it wasn't done! Their detail is really incredible. Kudos to those guys! Scarefactory had a really cool inflatable... but best overall booth without seeing anything work probably Dark Raven or Gore Galore. Larry

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drfrightner

03-05-2013, 11:47 PM

Here is the Dead House booth... again really awesome detail but when I saw their booth it was MAYBE 70% done so hard to judge them yet! But from what I saw it was really awesome. They brought part of a trailer haunt which they detailed out the inside and it was really incredible. My only concern with it is I know what it takes for us to open one of those certain ramps, electrical, sprinkler system, and they way they had people doing a U in the trailer would never work based on the traditional configuration that we've seen trailer haunts. They might have a different configuration in mind... but I will say this and I'm just being honest I've never seen the inside of a trailer haunted house that detailed. It was pure amazing. I think they said they are offering them for 20k per trailer however based on my insight you would need to do a lot of safety work and work to make them secure as well on top of it... but in all honesty if you get the trailer and the detail it would be worth it. I would still like to see how they plan to match them up and make a configuration out of them and if they plan to offer sprinklers, electrical, e-lights, ramps, roll up metal doors or what... all that stuff ads up quickly when building a trailer haunt.

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I have a trailer haunt and mine isn't 1/10 as good... however I never put much time into mine but maybe now I will! LOL

Again totally kudos to these guys ... amazing crew!

Larry

drfrightner

03-05-2013, 11:55 PM

Like I said with Dead House... I did NOT see anything work, nor was anything totally done. When I went over to Dark Raven he was still working on his booth as well but I must say he's probably one of the only companies that actually sells animations and on top of it does amazing detail work around the animations. Does he have the best overall booth... hard to say I need to see what his animations do first. But it looked very very impressive.

Gore Galore looks like he brought the whole entire TOWN with him... he might have the most stuff of any company at the show.

I didn't see Ghost Rides booth they are still working on it so I'll grab pics of their booth later.

Larry
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drfrightner

03-06-2013, 12:07 AM

I saw Distortions Booth but it didn't look finished ... they told me they need an entire day to finish it. So hard to say anything about their stuff just yet... like I said and if we're lucky maybe 40% of the show is actually set up right now. LONG WAYS TO GO!

I did notice that the show didn't stretch as far into the second hall I guess a lot of Halloween retail vendors passed this year. Oh well!
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Larry

drfrightner

03-07-2013, 03:03 AM

More photos of the show! Larry
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drfrightner

03-07-2013, 03:04 AM

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More photos!

drfrightner

03-07-2013, 03:06 AM

yes more photos!

Larry
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drfrightner

03-07-2013, 03:10 AM

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drfrightner

03-07-2013, 03:12 AM

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drfrightner

03-07-2013, 03:13 AM

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drfrightner

03-07-2013, 03:14 AM

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drfrightner

03-08-2013, 12:18 AM

More pictures... today was pretty slow there wasn't a ton of people there today although the isles where somewhat busy. Here is a link to a story about the show http://www.stltoday.com/business/local/zombies-come-out-early-as-businesses-prepare-for-halloween/article_c1838c4e-52e7-5c20-95bb-0a4cc2977b32.html

We had our first day of the haunt tour and people had a blast! We are set for another night of haunt tours tonight...

I haven't really seen everything new yet but I'll walk around and take a look!

Larry

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drfrightner

03-09-2013, 12:14 AM

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The Wilmont Estate

03-09-2013, 12:17 AM

Anything of the Immortal Masks booth?

drfrightner

03-09-2013, 12:18 AM

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drfrightner

03-09-2013, 12:20 AM

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drfrightner

03-09-2013, 12:21 AM

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drfrightner

03-09-2013, 12:32 AM

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Jonathan Clifton

03-10-2013, 12:36 AM

Here is a link to the photos I took on the show floor: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.492653760770689.1073741826.112605398775529&type=1

drfrightner

03-10-2013, 07:30 AM

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drfrightner

03-10-2013, 07:32 AM

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drfrightner

03-10-2013, 07:33 AM

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drfrightner

03-10-2013, 07:34 AM

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drfrightner

03-10-2013, 02:39 PM

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drfrightner

03-10-2013, 02:45 PM

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drfrightner

03-10-2013, 02:46 PM

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drfrightner

03-10-2013, 02:47 PM

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drfrightner

03-10-2013, 02:48 PM

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drfrightner

03-10-2013, 02:50 PM

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drfrightner

03-10-2013, 02:50 PM

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drfrightner

03-10-2013, 02:56 PM

I have about 50 more photos to upload... I think I covered the show! Will upload more later for sure! Couple observations on the show overall. It wasn't spectacular there was not really one thing that made you go WOW I NEED THAT! What was there however was a lot of little gadgets and things that are super cool!!! What we also saw this year and it was like total overkill was costumes and masks. If you were looking for costumes and masks it was hard to choose from all the options.

Another point I'll make is several companies had really good detailed booths where in the past there was hardly any if any good detailed booths to look at this year several. Lastly the interactive haunt was NOT good... this was by far the poorest I've ever seen that thing. Personally I think its time to retire that thing... maybe I'm in the minority here but it was not exciting. I do know and realize a lot of people work hard to put it up, and they have a very short window to get anything done but the overall quality wasn't impressive. I think if this thing should continue they should reduce the sizes by half and make it stronger looking... I think the main problem with this is simply its too big and too little time to work on it. The first year it was much better but at the same time much smaller... I think in the future don't do it or go much smaller so more work can be put into a smaller space resulting in a better product. Just my two cents.

Larry

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drfrightner

03-10-2013, 02:59 PM

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drfrightner

03-10-2013, 03:02 PM

More thoughts... I thought that there was more to do this year than in previous years. That is always a great thing when there are several new and exciting things to do while at the show. I did hear a lot of complaints about the seminars... people said the speakers either had no clue what they were talking about or just sat in there for an hour and tried to sell you their products. Like I always say its about 50/50 hit or miss on these things. Larry

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drfrightner

03-10-2013, 03:03 PM

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scary bill

03-10-2013, 03:34 PM

I went to 3 seminars this year, first time I did any. Two were good, the third not so much. It would be nice to get copies of the presentations they made, just to refer to after. Would I do any more in the future, yes and know. There is another haunt convention that offers classes for free. I think I got as much out of many of these than I did for $60 a pop. I know,different audience/focus.

I agree there was not any one have to have thing I saw, but needless to say I spent over my limit anyways. The costumes were over the top.

I do know that I completely enjoyed my time there( Ok, not so much the feeling Sat morning, note to self, no shots....), I can't wait for halloween now, build time starts now

drfrightner

03-10-2013, 05:32 PM

I will keep them coming several more to go... I had a fully charged battery today and within 30 minutes I took so many pics for HW site that my battery died. Larry
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drfrightner

03-10-2013, 05:34 PM

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drfrightner

03-10-2013, 05:35 PM

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Deathwing

03-10-2013, 08:27 PM

Vendors need to bring NEW product not the same stuff we saw last year. Some booths look identical if I didn't buy it last year chances are I'm not going to this year either. Some items I've seen at some booths for several years now. Maybe put those in your catalog and showcase what's new?

There must have been a dozen people selling silicone masks, but probably 9 of them shouldn't be or at least not at the same price point. Immortal, Altered Flesh and of course CFX deserve their pricing the rest would do better at around $150-$250 per mask.

I agree about the interactive haunt. The first room was nice and I was excited but then it went downhill fast. I'm sure it must be tough and I enjoy it and hope to see it continue just needs to tighten up a bit more I think.

All in all it was a good time this year.

Jake

drfrightner

03-10-2013, 08:44 PM

Even more photos... yes there was a lot of mask companies and I'm sure they all felt the competition to some degree. Mask making is much like animation making from years ago one company turned into dozens like almost over night. We are seeing that with this industry and that isn't a bad thing... what struck me funny was some mask companies wanted $700 while others wanted $300. Wide range of prices there... the thing all mask companies need to know and understand in MOST cases haunts want quantity over quality so the price is a major factor. Larry
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drfrightner

03-10-2013, 08:45 PM

Yes more photos. Larry
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drfrightner

03-10-2013, 08:46 PM

I actually have to leave... go meet a client from Hong Kong so I gotta run! More photos later! Larry
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drfrightner

03-11-2013, 12:19 AM

yes more and more photos... you be the judge on what you thought about everything. Need your thoughts.

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drfrightner

03-11-2013, 12:20 AM

I was excited to see FINALLY some food vendors at the show... that was a step in the right direction. The lady told me she did really well. Larry
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drfrightner

03-11-2013, 12:21 AM

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drfrightner

03-11-2013, 12:23 AM

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drfrightner

03-11-2013, 12:24 AM

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drfrightner

03-11-2013, 12:25 AM

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drfrightner

03-11-2013, 12:26 AM

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drfrightner

03-11-2013, 12:28 AM

Yes more and more and more photos... do I get a prop or two for taking all these photos and uploading them??? LOL

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drfrightner

03-11-2013, 12:49 AM

I have a few interesting observations and notices to vendors specifically... I've made here and there my opinions throughout these posts and thread. So here is another one...

The silicone mask is NOW officially a WAR and its on! Masks in general it's ON like Donkey Kong. And this is a WORLD WAR... the envelope is getting pushed to the edge and its taking the creative with it. Now we can talk all day long about how maybe price will be king in this category, rather than the overall quality, or we can argue that quality will stump price. My personal feelings is this war will be won with both... meaning whomever has a great product that goes along with the cheapest price will totally WIN or impact the industry by making prices drop. I think prices do need to drop honestly and now that we have 10 million of these guys prices should and probably will drop.

Now with all that said let me just say this... the animation end of the industry you are going to be slaughtered! Why?

Because these mask guys are setting the sculpting and creative mark SO HIGH that you'll need to keep up because the level of realistic look is now gone sky high. Back 10 years ago the sculpting on animations was acceptable and now its NOT! Most if not almost all the animations I saw looked like they always looked, or simply wasn't near not even close to the level of quality put into these masks.

Now you might be asking how does that change the game... well a few years ago everyone was thinking animations look cooler than actors, they do things actors can't do, blah, blah. Then we started getting sick of fixing animations, but our actors still didn't look at cool... but now EVERYTHING is shifting back to actors and making them look cool.

Even companies who didn't sell masks sold something an actor could use to scare someone from weapons, to drills that made sound, to fake shoes you could put on your knees, to costumes and more costumes and more costumes, to masks and more masks, to things actors could push around and activate to hold cow it was basically endless.

Seems now the movement is ON to actors and making them LOOK REAL like a real monster OUT of a movie!

Animation makers need to be prepared to step up the creative or shift their business to other elements of the industry such as Scarefactory making an inflatable facade, or something to mix it up. I'm thinking animations might be on the decline over the next couple years, while making things actors can use to scare, wear to scare, or just overall makes them scarier is on like Donkey Kong?

Can this many mask / costume companies survive?? YES AND NO... Yes if haunts don't buy big ticket items like animations and NO if they do keep buying big ticket items. Lets see if they all survive and thrive because if they do you'll start to see animation companies go out of business...

So my advice to the mask companies would be what??? FIND WAYS TO MAKE YOUR MASKS CHEAPER while keeping up the quality its the haunt industry way and it always prove that way in the end. Trust me! You will go out of business if your prices aren't affordable no matter the quality.

What would my advice be to the animation companies??? START TO SEE THE FUTURE ... these mask costume companies which I've been crying for all these years are here to stay. Haunts like Netherworld made actors popular again and haunts crave to have actors in the same quality masks and costumes as say Netherworld. So overall I think animations will be on the serious decline in the future. So what should you do? You should start to make a handful of animations you think are REALLY COOL while at the same time making them look more realistic. Additionally you should start to consider making more static props, smaller items like gory pots, arms, legs bodies or whatever or simply just props of dogs to monsters.

Actors are the new future as they where originally the only future when this industry started we've basically come full circle. When it comes to marketing gorilla marketing is also back and more important than ever when we just never know how to reach our customers anymore in the digital age.

Let this service as a wake up call to all vendors... big ticket items will be fewer and fewer and small items or just cool props just might save your company. Haunted Houses love cool stuff cheap! It's just the way haunters operate!

Just one more point to hammer home... when I was ordering tons of equipment from vendors for the Darkness haunt tour I never even KNEW all these new small companies would show up! Never knew! I never in a million years thought hey there will be ten zillion mask companies, I simply placed an order and never thought about how many props I ordered to animation. But now that I wrote this basically an article... I now realize I didn't hardly order any animations. In fact of the very few I ordered the two main ones I didn't even use they are still in my shop just sitting there... I bought mostly PROPS that helped enhance actor scares. I didn't know I was doing that until NOW but I did... I think we'll be seeing a change of direction and everyone should be prepared for the change from regular radio to digital radio and from animations to actor driven companies.

Larry

Deathwing

03-11-2013, 06:14 AM

There were tons of mask companies I agree there but did you look close up on them? Some took us back to the 80's with their sculpts and quality. I saw deformed silicone masks with bubbles, faux fur masks not from zagone but other guys, terrible paint jobs, etc. I thought 90% was bad but the guys like CFX and Immortal looked Hollywood and the rest copycats with inferior sculpting and pouring, that HURTS the industry.

Jake

Deathwing

03-11-2013, 06:19 AM

I was also disappointed in Dark Raven I was hoping to see some new cool effects other than the trees, spiders and snakes that's been there for several years then to see their former partner do a spin off company Nevermore that produced nearly the exact same stuff. I want to see vendors bring new stuff and put the old stuff in the catalog or include a DVD catalog showcasing everything in action so people see how cool it is.

Jake

wickedfarmer

03-11-2013, 09:30 AM

This years purchases were more of catching up and buying things from previous years list of "I will have that some day". Gore Galore Slither is still on that list, but purchased Scarefactory actor hover rig. I liked both of these as soon as I saw them last year. The interchangable props to go on these rigs was BIG selling point to me. (Sorry Kevin...went with the Scarefactory rig this year, they have the flying monkey like Wizard of Oz and that movie is out right now...but I'll get Slither sometime).

Got Posions Dropping Clown Flailer, another one I liked last year as soon as I saw it. Now Larry brought up that prop makers may need to bring realism up a notch in work like masks are doing now. I guess I might second that notion BUT items that are hidden from view then attack out of nowhere with no time to study them over like the props listed above are good enough now. Why I own a few Distortions props where the actor runs out at customers....no one expects that. The monkey on the metal rack that ran out this year is added to my "I will have that someday list". The thinking outside the box to have the bottom half of that metal table swing out so actor could run out...taking that style of prop to next level of concealment was good. Which I need after running the gargoyle that jumps out (Gargoyle Shock) and the upside down Frankenstein (Shock Therapy).

A new twist...added to the "some day" list. The vortex tunnel has gotten to be a standard. Well if you missed it, new vendor Dimensions of Darkness has a new twist that can be added to anyones vortex. (www.dimensionsofdarkness.com) had the HUGE grabbing hand/claw on rollers as well) The bridge (see through aluminum grate) tilts as customers walk across. Raises their right foot/side higher than left and sets it back down....a double whammy. Actually had me grabbing hand rail and which I never have to do otherwise. Guess I would have to say my biggest "wow" of the show. Did like the video effect in the Dark Zone that made me pretty. Camera showed you walking up to the area and turned your face into a zombified freak. Think that would be something customers would like...but cost scared me away.

Someone I had not seen before or simply overlooked ...The House of Boo. (www.theHOUSEofBOO.com) Several props for actors to hold like a biting teddy bear and a LOUD horn powered by a battery powered (rechargable) drill. Had to head home with some of their stuff. Good looking furniture that will eventually be headed my way for a clown room. Drop panel hidden behind marinate dolls dancing on strings...nice job altering the old simple dropping portrait gag!

Wicked Farmer

Vengence

03-11-2013, 11:13 AM

Easy solution.

If the quality of silicone masks is going up and increases visual effects to a new desired level across the board, which I agree with. Then why don't vendors start applying silicone masks/ prosthetics to their animated props to keep inline with that visual quality demand/supply increase?

But yes, this was the year of silicone masks. There were finally products below the $500 level and a lot more selection.

Otherwise I see a huge push in technology and software in regards to haunt industry innovation.

austind

03-11-2013, 11:35 AM

Matt why would you spend $500 for a mask for a prop? If they could make one out of foam Latex then the price would be much less. Also the detail in the masks were great but on a prop there are more areas detail than just the heads. I think this year was a show that was good for the acting side of a haunted house and less towards the tech side. The haunts heavy on acting have been left out to some degree in the past few shows and this year I saw more costumes, proshtetics, and masks. So maybe it is just that I am more of a tech guy than an actor that it seemed flat to me.

Phattman

Rex W.

03-11-2013, 12:48 PM

The Dead House Designs trailer haunt in the Dark Zone was hands down absolutely incredible. Got the chance to visit with these guys at the show opening party Thursday evening and learn how they built it. Very interesting. Great job!

drfrightner

03-11-2013, 02:12 PM

yes the dead house design trailer was very well done a few things though you need a lot of safety features to make a trailer haunt work but the detail aspects they did a great job. No doubt!

I didn't however notice a sprinkler system, correct electrical, emergency lights, ramps to code, a system that would take the water from one building to the next or even electrical from one building to the next or even emergency doors in or out... these are all things most cities would require. They wanted 20k for a detailed out trailer I bet you it would cost an additional 10k per trailer to add all those things. My other concern was the way they had the customers go up and back in the trailer that would create a nightmare for configuration ... I'd have to see a lot more details on that. You also need transition plates to enter one haunt trailer to the next within an overall configuration. I wonder how they plan on doing all of that.

I must admit that the detail work on the trailer itself was really awesome but you must also remember there is more to it than that... I think directors don't care about budgets while producers only care about money and the control of it this is why you have both! LOL

The subject brings up an interesting point... Dead House Design is the perfect example here! They are promoting detail, detail is expensive very expensive more expensive than animations or silicone masks. Haunts only have so much money so what are they going to invest their money into over the next few years??? Will it be detail, costumes, masks, better marketing, or animations?

I think the days of just buying animations are over... all companies selling animations should start to focus doing more than just animations because I think people will start to spend money on detail work, costumes, masks, and more. The money will start to be spent more even than mostly on this and less on that.

I think haunts now want more detail, more costumes, and better websites, and things... which should and probably will pull money away from animations. Additionally and this is a kicker... you have companies out there like Fright Props selling everything you need to make animations. So I guess I was happy to see Scarefactory as an example do the inflatable as a pick piece of their booth and in the future the show should shift away from animation.

Larry

Deathwing

03-11-2013, 04:00 PM

I think people are going overboard by saying animations are dead that will never happen. The only reason Scarefactory didn't offer as much this year is because they were so consumed with rebuilding the Coney Island haunts they had no time. If they had they'd have done many more cool pieces and they would sell just like every year because costumed characters are #1 but most aren't really skilled but animations always look great from SF.

Jake

austind

03-11-2013, 05:01 PM

Larry I think you are right about the fact that animations may have less demand in the future and I think The animatronic guys know this. That is why they have been trying to put a actor in control with the actor controlled props now. I feel that the costumes now need to have a high level of detail to and look just as good in daylight as under show lights. It's about taking the customer to another place and to do that you must put realizim in to all aspects of a haunt.

The hard part now is standing out in the croud of haunts out there, you need to get them to your door by spending a lot of money on marketing but if you don't have a good show they will be one and done with your show. The haunts that balance this well will be the ones that will grow and the rest will die out. Because of technology marketing is getting cheaper with all the online marketing out there, TV is almost gone for most haunts, radio is going that way, print is strong still industry based regenal mags but not main stream news papers, web based is now more mature and effective. The person that can reach their demographics with a effective message will be successful and will be able to do it with less money.

As far as facts on trailer haunts the emergency light, exit signs and egress, but in most states the fall under the the carnival laws which don't fall under ADA and fire suppression requirements. This is even true in very restrictive city's like Chicago. Unfortunately Michigan is not one of those states.

Larry you spend a tremendus amount money and work in to detail, but for us outside St. Louis we don't really see your marketing, can you share a little of your marketing strategies with us so we may get a picture of the whole package.

Phatman

CreepyCollectionProps

03-13-2013, 05:04 PM

Statics props to distract and Great Actors to scare make the show...Animatronics are great eye candy...need some but not all... a well balanced haunted house is what i would be going for....For advertising secretes i would use 1st a Facebook share coupon... With a Nice offer..When i did advertising i use to tell my clients

Put a Crappy Offer Your Gonna Get a Crappy Response
Put an Alright offer your gonna get an Alright Response
Put A GREAT offer your gonna get a Great Response

Same rules apply

Your customer base is online..Not in the news papers,,,Not Listening To radios...

I would be all about Bill Boards

A huge Gorilla marketing Lots of cards , Flyers Etc,,...

Online Google Search Ads

Facebook Shares and Ads...

Podcast Promotions- They listen -

And TV spots on MTV , and AMC and FX

Also You Tube Videos and Promote Your Video Via you tube..

Make the video about Customer Reactions...Film People coming out with responses if you get some one puking FILM IT !

Add some Sets , props and Actors in Between the Responses...

and here is one A RAIN COUPON - buy one get one free on rainy nights only Tell me if your dead with the rain that night.. Offer Void if rain stops...

Also Gimmicks I wanted to do this on Sunday nights but the haunt i was working with would not First 50 People on line Sunday's Admittance Free
see how many people are trying to be the first 50..and once on line they are not gonna leave...

Just some thoughts

To help you all...

Jerry

and animatronic sales have been declining since the recession hit allot of Friendors i got tell me it not what it use to be..

CreepyCollectionProps

03-13-2013, 05:09 PM

SEO

Search Engine Optimization !!!!!!!!!!!!!Very Important!!!!!!!!!!!!!

when some one goes to a search Engine and types in Haunted House In ______ state

Where do you come up...First page Top 5 is where you want to be..and a Good SEO Manger is a way to get there
However that has to be start 3 months before the event opens takes time to move up...

MillersThrillers

03-13-2013, 07:00 PM

What do you mean by share coupon? I know how the share button works but not with a coupon? And how is it redeemed?

austind

03-13-2013, 07:30 PM

You share the coupon with your Facebook friends

Phatman

CreepyCollectionProps

03-14-2013, 10:17 AM

Ok on your facebook page or Fan Page

You make a coupon....

To active this coupon your friends or fans must SHARE it to their friends

When they come to your ticket booth have them show There Smart Phone and that they shared it...and then they get the discount

Think about it...If 1 customer has 1,000 friends now 1,000 friends know about your coupon and they share it and it keeps going
and going and going...

Social Media at its finest.

austind

03-14-2013, 10:36 AM

Jerry that won't work for me I have no friends, I don't even know my password anymore. Now my wife has over 2500 friends and some stinking farm game that is the size of Ohio. Sometimes I wonder what she does with all her time.

Phatman

CreepyCollectionProps

03-14-2013, 11:00 AM

On facebook...Very Important...for your haunted house...trust me..

Farmville...HA yea i tend to not play those things...But Facebook is where its at...

I have 2 right now for creepycollection

HUGE..impact to us

Most of the people that came by the booth spoke about all the new props they seen on facebook...the whole show...if it works
for me with you guys it will work with your customers for sure ! A MUST

CreepyCollectionProps

03-14-2013, 11:06 AM

Who Moved my Cheese

Read it...

Its 100% whats going on right now with the Leap over to Digital Ads from Paper... and radio to facebook /social media

The cheese is still out there...Its just moved some where else...

Very good book

austind

03-14-2013, 11:14 AM

Thanks Jerry will look for book.

Phatman

Darksidestew

03-15-2013, 02:24 PM

This Post was supposed to be for voting: Original Post below:

OKay this is THE THREAD please don't start 50 others... lets put everything in one place so later on down the road we can re-live this years show. So if you see something you like, have a video, have a photo, loved something you did or whatever post it here. Also for the next Magazine we will publish the best of the show... so here is what we need to know for starters.. see below. Also wanted to mention we updated the front page of Hauntworld.com check it out and let us know what you thought! Start uploading your photos, videos, and adding your thoughts and opinions! BTW if you have a subscription to the magazine pick it up during the show at our booth!

Who had the best overall new products

Who had the best overall single new animation or effect

Who had the best overall booth design

Who had the best new masks

Who had the best overall costumes

Best Event you attended during the show

Who had the best overall business to business product

Who had the best new props

Who had the goriest new prop or animation THE GORE AWARD

Who had the best product under $500 dollars and who had the best over $2500

Which speaker presented the best seminar

What was the best educational product or service offered at the show

What was the product that made you go WOW

casketvamp2

03-17-2013, 10:44 AM

I recall Distortions did inflatable facades (during the same time they did the Beast inflatable) back in2005. So the inflatable piece Scarefactory had at the show was nothing new....

Deathwing

03-17-2013, 11:18 AM

I recall Distortions did inflatable facades (during the same time they did the Beast inflatable) back in2005. So the inflatable piece Scarefactory had at the show was nothing new....

I thought the same thing 10 years ago that would've been hot now people are gravitating more towards realism I've noticed. Might be fun for daytime events though.

Jake

drfrightner

03-17-2013, 11:47 PM

I will take stab but I'm not the one to ask because I didn't really walk the show floor. I walked with two of my guys who picked up brochures for me and I looked really quick over a one hour period. So you guys know best so tell me what you think. We will hand out some awards in the next magazine.

Who had the best overall new products: My vote would be no one really. Nothing overall blew me away.

Who had the best overall single new animation or effect: None

Who had the best overall booth design: Dead House Designs plus I thought Gore Galore had a really nice booth as well.

Who had the best new masks Too many to count

Who had the best overall costumes Too many to count

Best Event you attended during the show The Darkness tour without a doubt! LOL

Who had the best overall business to business product that new photo machine that we had in our booth

Who had the best new props Ghost Ride

Who had the goriest new prop or animation THE GORE AWARD Ghost Ride

Who had the best product under $500 dollars and who had the best over $2500 Gore Galore Pots and pans / Scarefactory Inflatable

Which speaker presented the best seminar Didn't attend any so don't know

What was the best educational product or service offered at the show: How to Haunt DVD Line was it ever in doubt? LOL

What was the product that made you go WOW I really liked Dead House Designs booth a lot but one product to make me go wow none really.

wickedfarmer

03-18-2013, 06:16 AM

I have to disqualify myself on several catagories. Didn't attend seminars or didn't honestly look over all entrants in a catagory like "Masks". But since Larry can nominate his stuff; I can honestly nominate a aquaintance of mine for one LOL. Honestly; I have no problem when someone nominates themself if they put in the work and have the product to back it up...you are covered Larry.

Ok Number 1 & 2 I have to lump together; best overall new product and animation or effect...Tilt bridge by Dimensions of Darkness....only 'NEW" thing that caught my eye. Maybe slight bias as I have worked with the owner for about 6 years in a business manner of trading props to each other before he went to Vendor status. But that past business dealings with him gives me confidence he will follow through to the whole process of being a vendor. Not just making a cool prop for show then leave people hanging in sept. going "Where's my stuff".

Best overall costumes ...I did not look at each vendor close enough. I will just say Gore Galore ran the gammit from showing how a zombie girl with a doll could put energy into a cheaper costume and of course present the huge presence they are already known for.

Best product under $500 have to go with House of Boo and the hand held drill/air horn. believe it was Boo Blaster but not sure. Wish I had realised Allen H was there...never met him personally.